45/31
When Belfast teacher JJ meets self-confessed “vile bastards” Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip-hop band like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their native language. Ireland’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. Arló Ó Cairelláin: Every word an Irishman says is a bullet fired for Irish freedom. Appeared on Film Junk podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). Belfast by Orbital. Today I saw Kneecap at one of the best multiplexes in the UK. Interestingly, the entire audience (10 of us in total) were between the ages of sixty and seventy and the commitment was total and no one left before the lights came on. I spoke to one group of about 5 people and they all agreed on the strength of the film. I lived and travelled around Northern Ireland and Ireland (of sorts) in the early 80s so I really appreciated the quality of the writing. The acting was exceptional and the dark humour was just right for me. I am not a huge hip hop fan and you definitely don’t have to be to appreciate this film but I have always held Eminem and Die Antwoord in high regard and it is clear to me that the latter was a clear influence on Kneecap’s sound and style as a group. I will buy it on Blu-ray in due time but I think I will be the only one in the family who “gets” it. I hope my children will at least understand some of the cultural references and enjoy the cool soundtrack. If you have the chance, definitely watch it, because this film clearly shows how well you can create a work of art with a very limited budget and real actors. Based on a true story.